Philosophy Department Lecture Series

"Contradictions and Paradoxes in Knowledge and Wisdom Traditions"
Ivan Mayerhofer, Visiting Lecturer of Philosophy, Colorado College

Thursday, Dec. 1
3:30-5:00pm
Honi F. Haber Library (Plaza Building, M108A)

Abstract: One philosophically important way to distinguish wisdom from knowledge traditions is by their use of contradictions and paradoxes. Knowledge traditions aim to avoid, resolve, or contain them since they are injurious to the acquisition of knowledge. On the other hand, wisdom traditions work intimately with them since they play a crucial role in changing one's perspective and bringing about significant transformation in one's life. Using Buddhist wisdom writings from the Prajñaparamita and Mahayana literature, contemporary practices in Zen Buddhism, and contemporary work in epistemology and semantics, I explain these different approaches to contradictions and paradoxes and draw out the philosophical consequences, such as the central importance of a life and transformations in a life when accounting for wisdom as opposed to knowledge.

Bio: Ivan Mayerhofer received his PhD from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. He primarily works in Philosophy of Language and Metaphysics, but has active research interests in Epistemology, Philosophy of Religion (including Buddhist Philosophies), and Feminism in Philosophy. He is currently a Visiting Lecturer at Colorado College.